Thanks to a generous grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation the old panels on the UBG kiosk have been replaced with colourful new ones. The beautiful eye-catching new panels have been designed by Michelle Sharp

Cabbage White Butterfly

Welcome to the Urquhart Butterfly Garden, in 2016!

Chicory

Before “we” went into the garden, Ingrid had a surprise for us all. We all participated in some stretching Exercises, a type of Meditative clearing of the mind.

Dropping all Luggage before the Grand Entrance.This was new exciting. I stepped back and took a few images, and Joined back into the Circle.

Ingrid and Shelly

The five Human beings had a great day and would suggest this activity to anyone seeking Respite, relaxation, and the chance to touch Mother Nature and let her Lead the way. All five of us were well prepared and had a wonderful time, including this writer.

Our Keystone species

Join Joanne Tunnicliffe, expert Gardener and Outdoor Educator in the Urquhart Butterfly Garden’s final event of the 2015 Summer Series. This event is particularly suitable for kids, so bring them along!

Joanne has a wealth of knowledge about the herbs and wildflowers which grow abundantly throughout the garden. In the presentation, she will discuss the qualities of the plants and the relationship that occurs between the plants and other life forms.

Silver Spotted Skipper

Joanne’s presentations are both enlightening and informative, engaging people of all ages. She is especially known for her exceptionally realistic bird calls that garner responses from nearby birds.

I was able to get 50 Raw images that represented here. Ingrid took this great image of me taking pics and give her full Credit for this Image.Thank you Ingrid Exner.

Doug Worrall

Past walks have been enlightening and have yielded sightings of magnificent butterflies such as the stunning Great Spangled Fritillary, a butterfly not commonly seen in the garden.

Although the summer is coming to an end, there are still many beautiful and fascinating species residing in the garden. Don’t miss out on this final opportunity to experience the garden to the fullest with Matt’s leadership.

Red spotted Admiral Butterfly

Named after pioneering entomologists Dr. Frederick and Norah Urquhart, who after forty years of patient research solved the mystery of the migrating monarchs, construction of Canada’s first municipal butterfly garden began in 1994.

Snow Berry Clear Winged Moth

Located in Centennial Park on the banks of the Desjardins Canal, it is heavily planted with nectar and foliage plants needed by butterflies and their caterpillars. It is maintained without the use of pesticides, many of which are detrimental to butterfly populations.
The garden is the brainchild of local businesswoman Joanna Chapman, who in 1992 catalyzed the formation of a group known as the “Butterfly Coalition”. Members of the Coalition secured funding, identified an appropriate site, solicited contributions in kind from many local businesses and individuals, gained the support of the Town of Dundas and devoted many hours of their own time to planting and maintaining the garden.Beyond creating valuable new butterfly habitat, the garden’s objectives include educating the public about how to contribute to protecting butterfly populations. The garden also provides a relaxing, natural environment where people of all ages can learn about the diversity of local butterfly species and enjoy their beauty.

Swamp Thistle

The garden now consists of six large raised beds, each approximately 75 × 35 feet, and the adjacent bank of the canal. All are planted with shrubs, perennials and annuals. The Butterfly Coalition also planted ten memorial apple trees in Centennial Park, just adjacent to the garden.

Since municipal amalgamation, Dundas is now part of the City of Hamilton.